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North and Central America and Caribbean

United States

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Still current at: 26 November 2009
Updated: 11 November 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (removal of Tropical Storm Ida).  The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Safety and security

Terrorism

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated the terror alert status of "orange", or high, for all international and domestic flights in the USA.  Definitions of the US terror alert system can be found on the US Department of Homeland Security website

Since 6 November 2006 you can carry liquids, gels and aerosols in 3 ounce (or smaller) containers in a small zip-top bag.  You should visit www.tsa.gov for more details about this and other prohibited items.

Given that terrorist attacks have taken place in public areas, there is a risk that you could be caught up if there were other attacks in the future.  You should therefore be particularly vigilant in high-profile public places.

We recommend that you also look at relevant US government websites, especially:  http://www.fbi.gov , http://www.fema.gov, and http://www.dhs.gov and monitor news reports before and during your trip to the USA.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.

Political Situation

USA Country Profile.

Crime

You should bear in mind the following:

  • Do not leave your door open at any time.
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewellery and carrying valuable items in run down areas.
  • Do not sleep in your car by the roadside or in rest areas.
  • Avoid leaving items on display in cars.
  • Try to stay on main roads and use well-lit car parks.
  • If hit from behind while driving, indicate to the other driver to follow you to a public place and call 911 for Police help.

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.

Local Travel
Severe weather can strike any states at any time.  You should keep a close watch of the weather reports.

Road Travel

If you intend to drive then an international driving licence is recommended.  If you are on a fly-drive holiday then a UK driving licence is required for each driver.  If you have a photocard licence you should remember to also bring the green 'paper' counterpart licence with you.  You should also ensure that your car rental insurance covers occupants of your vehicle and any third party claims, including personal injury.

You should learn US traffic laws before coming to the country.  For example, both the speed and drink driving limits are lower than in the UK.

It is worthwhile buying a detailed road atlas of the areas through which you are travelling.

Find out the prevailing weather conditions before embarking on a long journey, e.g.  in mountainous and isolated areas where there is increased likelihood of snowfall, or in dry desert areas where you may need extra water and petrol stations could be scarce.

In 2007 there were 41,059 road deaths in the USA, (Source: DfT). This equates to 13.7 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007.

For more general information see Driving Abroad.

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Contacts

United States, Washington, British Embassy

Address:

British Embassy
3100 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20008

Telephone:

(1)(202) 588 6500 Embassy
(1)(202) 588 7800 Consular
(1)(202) 588 7830 British Council

Fax:

(1)(202) 588 7870 Chancery

Office hours:

GMT:
Mon-Fri: 1400-2230

Local Time:
Mon-Fri: 0900-1730

Website: http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk

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